Mr. Robert “Bob” Alton passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Hogarth Riverview Manor. Although dementia took Bob from us slowly over the last few years, the family is grateful that we had the honour and privilege to be by his side throughout his journey. Geraldine (Deanie), Blair and Tanis are heartbroken but are also relieved that Bob is no longer suffering.
Bob and his twin sister Ruth were born on September 14, 1946, in Fort William, Ontario. Four years later, Brian and Bruce, another set of twins, were born to complete the family. Bob grew up on Bernard Street and attended Franklin Public School and Selkirk High School. The Alton family spent a lot of time at their camp at Chippewa, a tradition that continued even after the twins started their own families. Bob had a lifelong passion for hockey. Throughout his life, he played, coached, and was a dedicated spectator.
Bob and Geraldine (Bates) were married in 1974 and built their forever home in Slate River where they raised their two children, Blair and Tanis. They met many wonderful neighbours in the country that led to lasting friendships. Geraldine and Bob loved their trips to Duluth and the frequency of those trips increased after they both retired. Bob's circle was small, and those who were fortunate enough to be part of it experienced a memorable and unconditional love.
Bob worked at the Chippewa Park Pavilion, Zellers, McKellar Hospital, Safeway, Northern Decorating Supplies, and ended his career at Superior Coatings in June 1999. He gained kitchen experience in many jobs and enhanced his skills by working in the bakery at Safeway. This experience resulted in the development of culinary skills, which he demonstrated by preparing wedding cakes for various friends and family members. Bob inherited his mother's exceptional baking and cooking skills, which his son Blair also exhibits.
Bob enjoyed a simple life and found joy in small things. Throughout retirement, he focused on the things that made him happy…puttering, refinishing axes, driving the country roads, feeding the birds and deer, cutting kindling, roaming Hacquoil Road with a broken hockey stick, finding treasures at the dump, watching hockey games, eating ice cream and sharing Sunday dinner with family and friends that became family. Bob was a modest man, who was content with what he had, and firmly believed that nothing needed to be replaced or thrown out. He was happy as long as his family had a roof over their head and good food on the table.
Bob will always be remembered by his wife of 50 years, Geraldine, his son, Blair, his daughter Tanis, twin sister Ruth, brother Brian (Maureen) and brother Bruce (Marg) and many other close relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fredrick and Marie, his in-laws Gerald (Jerry) and Gladys and his beloved Grandma and Poppy.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Storkson and the staff at Saint Elizabeth Health for their support in enabling Bob to stay at home for as long as possible. A special note of appreciation is extended to Robyn, a PSW at Saint Elizabeth Health, who maintained a special relationship with both Bob and Geraldine. The family is also thankful and grateful for the staff of Spruce Grove at Hogarth Riverview Manor and the Behavioural Specialized Unit (BSU) Team. The family especially thanks Bonnie and Shelley, PSWs on Spruce Grove, for their kindness shown to Bob. Once strangers, they became friends, turning Spruce Grove into a true home for Bob. Throughout his journey, the staff treated Bob like family and with the dignity that he deserved. Every single one of you is an angel and a hero in healthcare.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
As per Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life for Bob will be held at the NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
